Information About COVID-19

Q. What is the Coronavirus? A: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses that range from the common cold to severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV).

Q: What is COVID-19 and why is it different from other types of coronaviruses? A: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new strain of the coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. It is not the same as other coronaviruses that causes the common cold or mild upper respiratory tract diseases.

Q: How Does COVID-19 Spread? A: The virus is transmitted from person to person who are in close contact with one another (approximately 6 feet). Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes or someone touches surfaces and objects that have been handled by those who are infected.

Q: What Are The Symptoms of COVID-19? A: COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory illness like influenza. The main symptoms of COVID -19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms of COVID -19 can range from mild to severe

Q: What Should I Do If I have Symptoms? A: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you are presenting symptoms or believe you have COVID-19, you should follow these recommendations:

Stay home. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

Continuously monitor your symptoms.

If your symptoms are worsening, seek medical attention by calling your doctor or nearest emergency room. They will advise on you what steps to take next.

If you are advised by a physician to receive treatment, please put on a facemask before you enter the building. If you can’t put on a facemask, try to keep a safe distance from other people (at least 6 feet away). This will help protect the people in the office or waiting room.

Q: What Are the Emergency Warning Signs of COVID-19? A: If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:

Trouble breathing

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

New confusion or inability to arouse

Bluish lips or face

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency. Please notify the operator that you have or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before medical help arrives.

Q: How Can I Protect Myself from COVID-19? A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has the following recommendations:

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Stay home when you are sick.

Practice social isolation by avoiding gatherings and staying at least six feet apart from others.

Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects people frequently touch.

Q: What is Jamaica Hospital’s plan to minimize transmission and protect patients and employees? A: Safeguarding our community, patients and employees is our highest priority. Our hospital is following strict infection control and safety protocols recommended by the CDC, New York State and City Departments of Health. To ensure that the health of our patients and employees is protected, Jamaica Hospital has also implemented the following measures:

Working with City, State and Federal authorities to properly screen and identify any patient presenting with symptoms of COVID-19